Boats

Ease of Use

The first thing you'll notice when you examine the photo of the new 44 Sojourn is that she's tall: 16'7'' feet from the waterline to the top of her aluminum radar arch, to be exact. According to Carver, the rationale behind her commanding height is to increase the "usability" of the living spaces aboard.

The clean and modern saloon, accented by nutmeg joinery, helps meet that goal. A low L-shape settee to port sits across from a C-shape dinette to starboard; the galley, with standard Domestic microwave, Corian countertops, Delonghe coffee maker, and NovaKool refrigerator, is forward to starboard. The lack of a partition between it and the saloon helps engender a feeling of continuity and openness, as does the combination of upper- and lower-level windows on both sides. The 44 was designed without steps on the main deck, which also eases traffic flow. You can walk from the swim platform through the 58-square-foot cockpit, past the sliding-glass doors, and all the way forward to the master with its centerline queen without raising your foot more than a few inches.

Builder: Carver

Boat Type: Cruiser

LOA: 44'4"

Beam: 13' 11"

Accomodations: 1 queen berth; 2 wtin berths; 1 fold-down settee

Standard engines: 2/385-hp Crusader 8.1-liter gasonline V-drives

There are, however, molded-in steps on both sides of the cockpit that enable you to ascend to the flying bridge. The design also allows for full side decks without unduly impinging on the width of the saloon.

The layout of the flying bridge also seems to be a result of Carver's longstanding usability mantra. A sunpad is aft of the sitting area, taking full advantage of the overhang that shelters the cockpit. According to the builder, in addition to the sunpad seating, there's room on the flying bridge for as many as 12 people to sit comfortably.

And to make the 44 truly easy to run, she comes standard with 385-hp Crusader gasoline V-drives. She's also available with Volvo Penta IPS drives ranging from 314 to 418 hp. Which ever option you choose, the 6-hp Side-Power bow thruster is standard.

For more information on Carver Yachts, including contact information, click here.

Ants Not Invited

Maine-based Hinckley recently launched the latest iteration of its Picnic Boat series. The original, launched back in 1994, became a celebrity-status icon due to famous owners such as Martha Stewart.

The updated Picnic Boat is 11 inches longer and sports some smart alterations. For instance, her wheelhouse has been raised to give captains greater visibility. Also, her V-shape hull has more deadrise, although she still maintains a shallow draft of 2'1".

Hinckley estimates the New Picnic Boat will reach a top speed of 37 mph and cruise at around 32 mph thanks, in part, to her twin Hamilton 274 water-jet drives.

For more information on Hinckley Yachts, including contact information, click here.